Osun Police arrest 8 suspected cultists during operations in Ilesa and Osogbo, recovering weapons and cult-related items

OSOGBO, Osun State, June 22, 2026 – The Osun State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan, has arrested eight suspected cultists and political thugs in separate intelligence-led operations carried out in Ilesa and Osogbo as part of a renewed crackdown on criminal activities across the state.

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The arrests were announced on Sunday in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the commissioner.

According to the command, the operations were conducted by officers attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit following credible intelligence reports about suspected cult-related activities in the affected communities.

The first operation took place on June 17 at about 6pm in the Iloro area of Ilesa after police received information that a suspected cult member was allegedly terrorising residents.

DSP Ojelabi said operatives swiftly moved into the area and arrested 30-year-old Abiola Osobu Michael, popularly known as “Small”.

During interrogation, Michael allegedly confessed to being a member of the Eiye confraternity.

Police said the operation led to the recovery of an axe, a live cartridge, a blue cap bearing the insignia of the cult group and six additional caps believed to be linked to cult activities.

In a separate operation carried out in the early hours of June 19, anti-cultism operatives acted on intelligence indicating that suspected cultists were causing unrest in the Sasa area of Osogbo.

The raid resulted in the arrest of seven additional suspects identified as Afolabi Samson, 29, also known as Elesi; Ojute Imoleayo, 28; Jimoh Olayinka, 48; Oluwasesin Niyi, 40; Robin Akeem, 19; Robin Selim, 19; and Nurudeen Kafayat, 39.

The police described the operation as a significant step in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and improve public safety across the state.

While the command did not disclose the specific roles allegedly played by each suspect, investigators are continuing efforts to establish the full extent of their activities and possible links to cult groups operating within the state.

The arrests come amid growing concerns over cult-related violence in parts of Nigeria, particularly among young people. Security agencies across several states have intensified enforcement operations in recent months to curb cultism, which authorities say often fuels violent crimes, clashes and other forms of criminality.

DSP Ojelabi said some suspects escaped during the Osogbo operation, but assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend those still at large.

“Effort is ongoing to arrest the other fleeing suspect(s) for prosecution. Suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigation,” the statement said.

Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan commended the professionalism of the operatives involved in the operations and reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order throughout Osun State.

The police chief also urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the activities of their children and wards, warning that cultism continues to pose a serious threat to community safety and youth development.

CP Gotan encouraged young people to reject cult-related activities and embrace lawful and productive pursuits capable of contributing positively to society.

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The latest arrests underscore the command’s determination to sustain intelligence-driven operations aimed at tackling cultism, violent crime and other security threats across Osun State.